gender identity

n. Gender identity is the identification of oneself as female or male; that means that gender identity is a cognitive process distinct from gender role behaviors. Gender identity development begins during early childhood. To develop gender identity, a child must gain some knowledge of categories of gender, what distinguishes the two sexes, what labels apply to each, and how she or he fits into one (and not the other) category. During the development of gender identity, children experience some confusion and make mistakes in their classifications, which may continue until about age 8 years.

- LB